CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA Review

The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, fine-tuning my expertise in shotguns and their various components. When I first heard about the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA, specifically the X-Full variant, I was intrigued. Knowing Carlson’s reputation for producing quality chokes, and being a waterfowl hunter consistently seeking tighter patterns at extended ranges, I needed to see if this choke lived up to the hype.

My primary issue was consistently achieving dense, effective patterns with steel shot at ranges beyond 40 yards. I was using a modified choke that just wasn’t cutting it. I needed something to reliably bring down ducks and geese at greater distances. Opening the package, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. It felt solid and well-made, promising to withstand the rigors of a harsh hunting season.

I considered a Briley extended choke and a Patternmaster Code Black Duck, but the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA’s price point and reputation for consistent patterns, combined with my positive past experiences with Carlson’s products, made it the clear choice. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Could this relatively inexpensive choke truly deliver the performance I needed? I was eager to find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA was on a frigid December morning in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were typical: damp, cold, and muddy. I used it with 3-inch, #2 steel shot. The true test was to see if this choke would produce the consistent, tight patterns I needed.

The choke was easy to install with a standard choke wrench. After a few test shots to get a feel for the pattern, it became obvious that this choke was a game-changer. The patterns were noticeably tighter than my previous modified choke. There were no blown patterns or noticeable holes.

No issues were encountered. Recoil was as expected with the steel loads I was using. The choke performed flawlessly right out of the gate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of waterfowl hunting, the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve used it in everything from freezing rain to dusty, dry conditions and it has performed consistently. There are no signs of wear or corrosion, and it remains easy to install and remove for cleaning.

Maintenance is simple: a quick scrub with a bore brush and solvent after each hunt keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with other chokes, the CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA has significantly improved my success rate at longer ranges. It has outperformed every other choke I’ve used in similar conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA

Specifications

• The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns using the Tru-Choke system. This makes it compatible with a wide range of popular shotgun brands and models.

• It features an X-Full constriction of .690. This tight constriction is ideal for achieving dense patterns at longer ranges, especially with steel shot.

• It is constructed from heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel. This ensures exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, even in harsh hunting environments.

Performance & Functionality

The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA excels at producing extremely tight and consistent patterns. This is especially beneficial when hunting waterfowl or turkeys at extended ranges. It significantly increases the effective range of your shotgun.

The choke’s primary strength lies in its ability to maintain a dense pattern even at distances where other chokes begin to spread excessively. The only potential downside is that it might be too tight for very close-range shots.

It absolutely meets my expectations and then some. My success rate on longer shots has improved dramatically.

Design & Ergonomics

The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA is a simple, no-frills design that prioritizes functionality. The stainless steel construction feels robust and inspires confidence.

Installation and removal are straightforward, requiring only a standard choke wrench. There is no real learning curve. The choke is ready to perform right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and longevity. With proper care, this choke should last for many years.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any standard Tru-Choke wrench.

There are no customization options directly associated with the choke itself. However, different shot sizes and load combinations can significantly affect pattern density and range. Experimentation with various loads is highly recommended to achieve optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of CARLSONS CHOKE TRU-CHOKE 12GA